Encapsulation technique eliminates thermal stresses in welded electronic modules

Encapsulation technique minimizes embedment and thermal stresses in welded electronic modules. A coating of thinned room-temperature- vulcanizing silicone rubber having a high coefficient of expansion and flexibility at low temperature, is applied first and then an encapsulating epoxy resin having a relatively low coefficient of expansion is added

Systems Analysis Approach for the NASA Environmentally Responsible Aviation Project

This conference paper describes the current systems analysis approach being implemented for the Environmentally Responsible Aviation Project within the Integrated Systems Research Program under the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. The scope and purpose of these systems studies are introduced followed by a methodology overview. The approach involves both top-down and bottoms-up components to provide NASA s stakeholders with a rationale for the prioritization and tracking of a portfolio of technologies which enable the future fleet of aircraft to operate with a simultaneous reduction of aviation noise, emissions and fuel-burn impacts to our environment. Examples of key current results and relevant decision support conclusions are presented along with a forecast of the planned analyses to follow

Life Cycle Assessment of Grocery Bags in Common Use in the United States

In recent years, municipalities throughout the United States have considered, and some have instituted, regulations and restrictions on retail grocery and carrier bags in order to promote sustainability and reduce perceived litter problems. At the time of writing of this report, about six percent of the U.S. population was covered by legislation or regulation affecting the selection and use of grocery bags. Such legislation is designed to encourage use of selected carrier bag types and discourage use of other types. Much controversy exists, however, as to whether the various alternatives encouraged by the regulations are environmentally superior solutions. In light of this trend, the intended application of this study is to provide an objective, data-driven platform upon which decisions about grocery bag use can be made. This study aims to fulfill that goal by making a comparative assertion among the six types of grocery carrier bags studied based on their respective potential environmental impacts, using data appropriate to the United States. Since widespread misconceptions exist among consumers regarding the potential environmental impact of the various bag types, the authors also hope to equip the general public with the information they need to make informed decisions about their own individual bag use. The authors intend to use the results of this study in a comparative assertion to be disclosed to the public, especially legislators and consumers.https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/cudp_environment/1006/thumbnail.jp